Today I relished my summer vacation with a little bit of shopping. I entered a delightful little store in Walker, Minnesota in hopes of finding some new treasures. Maybe a new top or two or a piece of pottery to liven up my kitchen. Just something new --- for me.
However, before I got very far into the store, my feet took me on a much different path. There seemed to be an "undeniable force" pulling me towards the children's toy section. So what's a grandma to do? I ditched my original plan and simply "let the force be with me".
So here I am in the land of warm, fuzzy stuffed animals, a multitude of puzzles and educational games when I spotted a fine collection of children's books. I thumbed through a few in an attempt to find the perfect one for my grand-daughters, 6 year old Joslyn and 2 year old Maggie.
It didn't take long and that "undeniable force" placed the book, "Peas on Earth" by Todd H. Doddler in my hands. Basically the book discusses world "peas" through a child's eyes. Just what would it really be like if there was "peas on earth"? You know, a world where everyone gets along or as Mr. Doddler would say, "not just like us two peas in a pod, but "peas" everywhere - like peanut butter and jelly, milk and cookies, or salt and pepper." Wow! Just think about it. Wouldn't that be amazing!
It brought to mind a conversation Joslyn and I had just a few days ago. We were sitting outside on her front porch and I was asking her about her neighbors.
"And over here" Joslyn said, "lives Madison. Her mommy and daddy are both in the military."
"That's interesting" I said. "Are they ever gone at the same time?"
"Well, they are both home right now" said Joslyn. I guessed that's all that mattered because she immediately followed with a question of her own.
"Grandma" Joslyn said. "When there's a a war, do soldiers come into your houses with guns and stuff?"
Wow. How do I answer a question like that? The last thing I wanted to do was to give my innocent little grand-daughter nightmares of a war torn world.
So, after a moment of thought ---- I ----- lied.
"No Jossy. They don't come into your house. They stay outside as much as possible, but you don't have to worry about that because people like Madison's mom and dad are keeping us safe each and every day."
Joslyn seemed to accept that answer but of course one good question deserves another.
"Why is there war anyway, Grandma? What do people fight about?"
"Well", I tried to explain, "sometimes they fight over religion or land or differences of opinion. And sometimes it seems like people are just fighting to be fighting."
"That's just rude!" Jossy exclaimed! "Why can't people just get along?"
"I know honey. I know. Sometimes a person wonders. Let's go in and get a popsicle. Okay?"
I've found that the offer of a treat can always get Grandma out of any difficult situation. This "war" conversation was over and what a conversation it was. I couldn't help but agree with my little 6 year old. Why can't people just get along?
So, needless to say, I didn't leave the store today with any new pottery or a piece of new clothing but I did leave with something much, much more for both my grand-daughters and me. I left with "World Peas". Come to think of it - what more could a girl ask for!!
